Free tool · Islamic Finance
Understand the key differences between Sadaqah and Zakat. When each applies and how to give correctly.
| Aspect | Zakat | Sadaqah |
|---|---|---|
| Obligation | Obligatory (fard) for Muslims above Nisab | Voluntary — any amount, any time |
| Rate | Fixed at 2.5% of qualifying wealth | No fixed rate |
| Who pays | Muslims with wealth above Nisab for one lunar year | Anyone |
| Recipients | 8 categories defined in Quran (9:60) | Anyone in need |
| Frequency | Once per lunar year | Anytime |
| Assets | Specific: cash, gold, silver, investments | Anything — money, time, actions |
| Tracking | Must be tracked separately | No formal tracking |
| Tax relief | Gift Aid eligible in UK | Gift Aid eligible in UK |
Track Zakat and Sadaqah separately.
PledgeNow keeps every donation type in its own column. Free.
No. Zakat is obligatory with specific rules. Sadaqah is voluntary and additional.
Majority view: Zakat to Muslims only. Sadaqah can go to anyone.